Pittwater Life April 2018 Issue

Editorial
Who’ll take Council’s rudder?
The departure of Northern
Beaches Council CEO
Mark Ferguson less than six
months into the role reveals a
rift between some of the folk
elected to govern us at a local
level and the foot soldiers who
deliver our essential services.
The best candidate for
the job, out of the talent
pool comprising the former
Pittwater, Warringah and
Manly Councils, was effectively
shown the door, resulting in a
confidential-terms payout of
more than $400,000.
Now, while the recruitment
process is undertaken, each
of Council’s three General
Managers will share the duties
of running our mega Council,
rotating on one-month shifts.
One month? We would have
thought that’s hardly enough
time to read the paperwork that
thuds on the desk, let alone
make any meaningful progress.
Heck, the handover from
month to month alone must
take a week of explanation!
* * *
Seems the State Government
is serious about protecting
its investment in the car parks
it has built to encourage use of
public transport, announcing
measures to safeguard abuse.
Users of B-Line car parks,
including Mona Vale and
Warriewood, will receive up
to 18 hours of free parking,
providing they use public
transport within that
timeframe – something that
will be monitored by data
when a new system is installed
requiring they submit their
Opal Card to exit the car park.
This will ensure parking
spaces are reserved for local
commuters rather than be
nabbed by residents or workers
in local shopping districts.
Of course, it could also be the
first step to making us pay for
the privilege.
What, us cynical? – Nigel Wall
The Local Voice Since 1991
APRIL 2018 3